Corporate and Banking Partner Steven Bernstein will also be in Cannes for MIPIM as part of the Lawrence Stephens team. We spoke to Steven about his aims for the prestigious event and what makes the firm unique in its offering.
Have you been a delegate at MIPIM before and what are you most looking forward to it about it?
I haven’t officially been before, so you could say that I am a first timer (although, I understand that it is not all yachts and champagne fuelled parties!). I am genuinely looking forward to speaking to contacts and industry officials in a stress-free way, and gathering market intel.
Which has been your most memorable transaction in 2018?
There have been, and continue to be, a number of memorable transactions that I am proud to have worked on. However, the landmark one last year was a complicated purchase and development loan for one of our banking clients. This required our banking, property and construction teams to work collaboratively to achieve our lender’s objectives so that the loan could be advanced in the required timetable whilst securing its position, both in respect of the property and the ongoing development. On a different note, it was also enjoyable completing the sale of a large maternity clothing client whose clients included royalty and Hollywood stars.
What property trends will be shaping the market in 2019?
Apart from the obvious Brexit-related negative issues, with high-end residential property prices continuing to be adversely affected by the uncertainty, the role played by existing and new-entrant challenger banks will, I believe, create significant opportunities for customers who are looking to invest in or develop property. Increased competition amongst lenders will also likely create a downward pressure on lending interest rates
What sets Lawrence Stephens apart from other firms?
Lawrence Stephens offers more than just legal services – we provide speed of execution between receiving instructions to completion and draw-down, and take great pride in the way we handle client after-care. Not only are we passionate about the law, we are passionate about people. We put a tremendous amount of effort into building long-term relationships and want our clients to feel like we are an extension of their team.
Want to meet Steven at MIPIM 2019? The Lawrence Stephens team look forward to seeing clients, intermediaries and establishing new business connections – so get in touch!